A study revealed that 59.5% of nurses had suffered back pain over the past year (Hollingdale R 1997). This corresponds closely with those of other studies (Harber et al 1985) which suggests the prevalence of back pain has not substantially reduced as a result of the 1992 EC regulations.

A large proportion of back pain was attributed to patient handling, particularly moving patients in bed (Hollingdale R 1997).
A study in America by Silvia, Bloswick, Lillquist, Wallace and Perkins of the University of Utah, Utah State University and the University of Texas Health Center titled 'An ergonomic comparison between mechanical and manual patient transfer techniques' compared the low back stresses resulting from the use of two different mechanical patient transfer assist devices with the use of traditional manual transfer techniques. The mechanical transfer systems used were the Barton Patient Transfer System and a sling-suspension lift (hoist).

The study showed conclusively that the Barton Patient Transfer System (PTS) is far safer and easier to use than other mechanical or manual means of transfer.